Tragic: Gary Lineker’s 18-year-old tree surgeon nephew was ‘crushed to death by falling trunk’, inquest heard after star’s sons paid tribute

Gary Lineker’s 18-year-old nephew was crushed by a falling tree trunk while working as a tree surgeon, an inquest heard.

Jonty Parkinson, the Match of the Day presenter’s nephew-in-law from his marriage to his first wife Michelle, died in Oxfordshire from a crush injury to his abdomen.

An inquest held at Oxford Coroner’s Court last week heard that Mr Parkinson, of Coln St Aldwyns, Cirencester, died on Friday, September 6.

The brief hearing on September 25 before senior coroner Darren Salter heard the incident occurred while the 18-year-old was working as an arborist.

A GoFundMe has since been set up in memory of the teenager, which has raised more than £30,000.

Two of Lineker’s four sons from his first marriage – George (centre right) and Tobias (far right) – penned moving social media messages about the death of their “beloved” cousin

Tobias Lineker, 28, posted a childhood photo of Jonty smiling with a message that read: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”

Jonty was Lineker’s nephew-in-law from his marriage to his first wife Michelle Cockayne (pictured)

The fundraiser was started by family friend Allison Murray and read: “To the friends of Bob and Ali Parkinson, I started this fundraiser to help them create a beautiful memorial or event to to celebrate the life of her beloved son Jonty, who tragically lost his life” on September 6th.

“I realize that money cannot fill the great gulf of loss they feel, but I hope it can be used to ease the burden of funeral costs or provide a worthy memorial for Jonty or whatever whatever the family thinks is right.”

Mr Parkinson’s funeral is said to have taken place last Friday. A number of local shops near his home in Gloucestershire were closed that day to allow staff to attend the service.

Lineker himself has not made any statement on the death of his nephew-in-law.

The Oxford Mail reports that the incident occurred in Eaton Hastings. A date for the full examination has not yet been set.

The New Wave Brasserie, Bar and Fish Market in Lechlade, which said it once employed the young man, said in a social media post last week: “It is with a heavy heart that we would like to extend our warmest condolences to Bob and Ali Parkinson for their loss .” her son Jonty.

“Many of you may have met Jonty when he worked at the restaurant and know his kindness and how much he meant to us.

“We are all devastated and send so much love to Bob and his entire family.”

“Funeral preparations and celebrations of his life will take place on Friday afternoon. Please understand that we will be closed tomorrow morning to allow our employees to attend.”

“Thank you for your thoughts and kind comments. We will pass them all on to Bob and his family.

Mr Parkinson was the nephew of Gary, 63, from his marriage to his first wife Michelle Cockayne, with whom he has four children – George, Harry, Tobias and Angus.

His mother, Ali Cockayne, is Michelle’s sister and was previously married to former England rugby captain Will Carling.

News of Jonty’s death first broke last month when two of Lineker’s four sons from the marriage posted moving social media tributes to their cousin.

George, 31, posted an Instagram story with a picture of himself and Jonty as a teenager with the caption: “One of the nicest boys you could meet, taken way too soon.” “Fly high cousin, everyone will you miss.”

Meanwhile, Tobias, 28, also posted a childhood photo of Jonty smiling with the message: “Taken from us far too soon, rest in peace little cousin.”